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The Daily Egyptian is published Monday through Friday during the fall and
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Though most SIUC students caught at least some of the Salukis' first playoff football game in 20 years or heard about the outcome from others, some such as Matt Schall were just learning the result the day after the defeat.
"I've been busy with schoolwork, so I haven't been to any of the games this season," said Schall, a graduate student in zoology from Springfield. "But I knew we were in the playoffs."
Schall said he did not know the outcome of Saturday's bout against Delaware, nor was he aware that a game had even been played Saturday. Despite lack of prior knowledge, his reaction to the final score was much the same of those who did their best to keep up with the team's playoff progress.
There was no attempt at analyzing the more positive points of Saturday's 48-7 defeat at Delaware. There was, however, a slight pause and a deep sigh common of SIU students prior to his brief vocal response: "That sucks."
Before the announcement of whom the Salukis would face in the playoffs, reaction from SIUC students was very much positive. A steady increase in sales of Saluki apparel and a consistent rise of interest in Saluki football proved school spirit would surpass the regular season. The fact that the game would undoubtedly occur during break had a slight impact on fan morale, but it was slight in comparison to the hit the team took on Saturday.
Following the presentation of the Missouri Valley Conference co-championship trophy, the football team and other attendants of the SIU Arena ceremony found not only that they would face the second-ranked Delaware, but also that they would not receive the home field advantage they anticipated.
The discovery was a blow to morale for both the team and fans. Despite the consistent increase in morale throughout the season, dedication was not enough to cause fans to make the trip east. The distant location of the game was too much for most, and the school spirit of many fans seemed unable to withstand the journey to Delaware.
For the many who did not make the trip, the game was broadcast Saturday afternoon on WSIL-TV, giving Saluki fans the opportunity to watch their team from the comfort of their own home. Some watched the entire game on television. For others, the 48-7 loss was just a little too much to handle, causing them to take in the loss in small doses.
Andre Patrick confessed to only watching the last few plays of the game.
"I didn't know it was on TV at first, so I just saw the last couple of plays," said Patrick, a junior in elementary education from Chicago. "I thought it would be closer, maybe a touchdown difference either way.
"I was a little disappointed, but I figure we hadn't really been to the playoffs in awhile and we just needed some experience. We'll be back next year."
Though Rachel Rich was aware the game was televised and initially sat down to watch the Salukis play, she said watching the increasing deficit between the teams was too much for her to witness.
"I only watched the first half, but I'm kind of glad I didn't see the end," said Rich, a senior in history from Marion. " It would have been sad. I thought it would be closer since we've been scoring so much all season, but Sambursky took some hard hits. We went up there and we played good all season, though. I guess our defense couldn't hold up against Delaware."
SIU students such as Rich expressed concern that the loss of several running backs may affect the success of next year's team. However, regardless of the impending roster turnover, many are still confident the 2004 season will be just as good if not better than this year.
SIUC student Cornelius Moore said he had high hopes for the Salukis but was also realistic about the ability of their competitors.
"I knew of Delaware from having seen them play before, so I just hoped SIU went into the game with a lot of confidence and did the best the best they could," said Moore, a junior in business management from Chicago. "I didn't see them winning, but I still hoped for the best.
"We could've done better and I didn't expect [the final score], but it was a great learning experience and I think they'll get into the locker room, go into training and bounce back and have a great season again."
